Jarrell Family Medicine

04/23/2026

The Unexpected Visit
The joys of having a private family practice in a small town are numerous. I have been privileged to own my practice for over 23 years. Over this time, my patients have taught me many life lessons. I have grown older with them and their families. I would like to think that I have become a better, more seasoned doctor who has become more than the person who writes their prescriptions. I am often a member of the family. Often, I have treated four generations of a family. I have grown to know and love each of my patients, and become especially close to those who have opened their very private lives to me. Some have shared very intimate thoughts and experiences with me during my more than 20 years making hospital rounds. I may have helped make very hard decisions with them. People sometimes give me privilege to the struggles they are going through each day and when I walk into the room, it is the Unexpected Visit that cannot be shortened into a 20 minute slot. They may need to talk about the divorce they are going through, the drug addiction their spouse or child is living, the end of life decisions they are facing with their parent or even the su***de they themselves are contemplating. So if I am late getting into to your room, I hope you understand. I hope you think about the person in front of you that might be struggling with a loss, a life battle that may be a critical crossroad in their life. Try not to be quick to anger. Please be understanding. It may be you that needs that extra time in the future. Reschedule if you need to. Getting angry because of an Unexpected Visit is not the answer. The doctor is more than just writing a prescription and following up on blood pressure to many folk in this office. I love you all and please know that I am always humbled by those who open their hearts to me. May God continue to Bless me with all of the many wonderful patients that I have! Thank You All very MUCH for being in my life.

04/20/2026

WHAT AUTISM ACCEPTANCE LOOKS LIKE:
Language & Identity: What Should I Say?
Many autistic people prefer identity-first language (“autistic person”), viewing autism as an integral part of who they are. Others prefer person-first language (“person with autism”). There is no single right answer. Respecting individual preferences is a key part of inclusion.
The respectful move is simple:
Follow the person’s preference when you know it.
If you don’t know, ask.
If you can’t ask, avoid making it a big deal and stay respectful.
Also, remember that people communicate in different ways. Speech isn’t the only communication.
If you would like more information, a great resource is The Arc. The Arc is the largest community-based organization in the U.S. advocating for and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.

04/13/2026

What Autism Acceptance Looks Like in Real Life. Autism is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. The Autism experience is different for everyone. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is often referred to as a “spectrum condition” that affects people differently and to varying degrees. If you want to be helpful, focus on reducing barriers. Here are concrete ways to do that.
If you’re a family member, friend, or neighbor:
Ask what support looks like for that person. Don’t guess.
Offer specific help: rides, meals, paperwork support, child care, or a quiet break.
Respect sensory needs. Things like lighting, noise, and crowds matter.
Assume competence. Give time and space for communication.

04/06/2026

04/06/2026

04/06/2026

April is Autism Acceptance Month. It’s a chance to move past “awareness” and focus on what autistic people and families need in real life: respect, access, and supports that make community life possible. In 2021, the shift to acceptance because autistic people have been clear about what helps: inclusion, respect, and practical supports. Words matter, but action matters more. True progress comes from creating a society where autistic people are fully valued and supported.

Why Acceptance Matters
Autistic people deserve full inclusion and respect. Too often, they still face barriers like:

Being denied needed supports in school, Limited job opportunities, or workplaces that aren’t flexible.
Health care settings that are rushed, confusing, or not sensory-friendly
Community spaces that are inaccessible or unwelcoming.
Throughout the month of April, we will be posting information about Autism Acceptance, what it means and how to support Autistic people.

03/27/2026

Art Vendors!

We are now accepting applications to vend at our May and June First Saturday markets!

Find links to apply here: https://linktr.ee/recreateappalachia

03/24/2026

What is Diabetes Alert Day?
Diabetes Alert Day is a day set aside by the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) to raise awareness of the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of knowing your risk. It encourages people to learn the symptoms of diabetes and understand their risk factors for developing the disease. Observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March, this year it falls on Tuesday, March 24. Ask your doctor what your risk of developing diabetes is.
1 in 4
adults with diabetes don't know they have it

115M+
people are living with prediabetes and are at high risk for developing diabetes

1.5M
people are diagnosed with diabetes each year

03/10/2026

Every year on March 10 — and throughout the month of March — local, state, federal, and national organizations come together to shed light on the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls and to show support for those at risk of and living with HIV. This year marks the 20th annual observance of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This year’s theme, “Hope, Health, and Healing: Overcoming Barriers to HIV/AIDS Treatment for Women and Girls,” focuses on addressing the challenges women and girls face in accessing HIV/AIDS treatment and eliminating barriers to health care access for women and girls with HIV/AIDS, such as lack of insurance, geographical location, or stigma. It also supports the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy: preventing new HIV infections, improving health outcomes for people living with HIV, and reducing differences in HIV care and outcomes.

03/06/2026

Join the Huntington Children's Museum on Saturday, April 11 from 6 pm - 10 pm at West Edge Factory for an unforgettable evening of music and memories! The West Edge Factory will become a moody nightclub complete with a pair of first-rate dueling pianos performers: Dueling Pianos WV, an open beer and wine bar, and dinner provided by Ceredo's own Rocco's Ristorante. Let your favorite song or musician inspire your attire.
Tickets can be purchased at

A Huntington Children's Museum Fundraiser

02/23/2026

As we end Black History Month, I would like to highlight this brilliant author, Jasmine Brown and her book, "Twice as Hard: The Stories of Black Women Who Fought to Become Physicians, from the Civil War to the 21st Century.” Twice as Hard brings the spotlight to the stories of Black women in medicine whose stories often go overlooked. Dr. Jasmine Brown is an author, Rhodes Scholar, and a physician.

12/18/2025

And the winner is….The very Talented Kathy! But all contenders really made this a tough competition. All the decorations were BEAUTIFUL !